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The 2024 Kawasaki Ridge is a strong one-machine solution for buyers who want a side-by-side that can work during the week and explore trails on the weekend. Its smooth 999cc inline-four, independent suspension, automotive-style cab, useful cargo capacity, and available HVAC make it more refined than a conventional farm UTV. The Ridge XR adds 116 horsepower, 30-inch tires, locking differentials, and a more aggressive driving character.
The standard Ridge is the better choice for quiet operation, comfort, three-person seating on applicable trims, and general property work. The Ridge XR is the more entertaining option when acceleration, ground clearance, and traction matter. However, the XR is still a rec-utility machine—not a dedicated high-performance sport side-by-side—and its relatively soft suspension does not fully match its powerful engine or aggressive styling.
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2024 Kawasaki Ridge: quick verdict
The Ridge succeeds because it does not try to be only a work machine or only a sport machine. It offers enough utility for hauling tools, firewood, feed, and light equipment, while its inline-four engine and comfortable suspension make trail driving more enjoyable than in many traditional utility UTVs.
That compromise also defines its limitations. Buyers seeking maximum commercial payload should look at heavier-duty utility models. Buyers seeking aggressive high-speed driving should consider a purpose-built sport side-by-side. The Ridge is best for owners who want one relatively refined machine for mixed recreation and moderate work.
#1 Best Overall
| Best for | Recommended version | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Property maintenance, relaxed trail riding, and all-season comfort | 2024 Ridge | Smoother, quieter, and more utility-oriented, with available HVAC and premium cab equipment. |
| Acceleration, larger tires, and technical-trail traction | 2024 Ridge XR | 116 hp, 30-inch tires, front and rear locking differentials, and bucket-seat configurations. |
| Maximum payload or frequent heavy commercial work | Neither should be the automatic first choice | The Ridge is capable, but its sport-utility compromise does not maximize heavy-duty hauling. |
| Dedicated high-speed sport driving | Neither | The XR has the power but its suspension tuning is softer than a true sport machine. |
What is the Kawasaki Ridge?
The 2024 Ridge was an all-new model line and Kawasaki’s first entry into the sport-utility side-by-side category. Its defining feature is a Kawasaki-built 999cc liquid-cooled four-stroke inline-four engine. Most competing side-by-sides in this general category use twin-cylinder engines, so the Ridge’s four-cylinder layout gives it a distinctive character.
Kawasaki built the Ridge around an enclosed or partially enclosed automotive-inspired cabin, independent suspension, selectable drive modes, and a tilting cargo bed. Depending on trim, buyers could also get power windows, windshield wipers, heating and air conditioning, navigation, and an audio system. That equipment makes the Ridge feel closer to a compact off-road vehicle than an open utility cart, although it remains an off-road side-by-side whose road legality depends on local law.
2024 Ridge versus Ridge XR
| Feature | 2024 Ridge | 2024 Ridge XR |
|---|---|---|
| Engine output | Approximately 92 hp and 66 lb-ft of torque in period road-test reporting | 116 hp and approximately 73.8 to 74 lb-ft of torque under Kawasaki’s cited ISO measurement |
| Tires and wheels | 27-inch tires on most configurations | 30-inch tires with 14-inch aluminum wheels |
| Differential equipment | Rear locking differential; front limited-slip behavior varies by drive mode | Front and rear locking differentials |
| Seating | Split bench seating on applicable models, with capacity for up to three | High-backed adjustable bucket seats on two-seat versions; Deluxe versions use a three-person bench |
| Maximum stated ground clearance | Up to 14.0 inches, with lower figures on some Ranch and Limited configurations | Up to 14.5 inches, or 14.3 inches on HVAC versions |
| Driving character | Quiet, smooth, comfortable, and utility-focused | Faster, louder, and more trail-oriented, but not a dedicated sport rig |
The difference is not simply a trim package. The XR changes the way the Ridge feels: it has substantially more power, larger tires, more aggressive traction equipment, and a stronger performance identity. The standard Ridge makes more sense when the machine will spend as much time doing useful work as it does exploring trails.
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The 999cc engine is the Ridge family’s most unusual and compelling mechanical feature. It uses a 73.4-by-59.0mm bore and stroke, dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, electronic throttle control, and a Donaldson air filter. Kawasaki routed the exhaust rearward to help move heat away from the occupants.
Period testing found the engine’s delivery crisp and smooth, with strong pull across the rev range. The inline-four is also quieter and less harsh than many twin-cylinder side-by-sides. Rubber engine and transmission mounts help reduce vibration, which matters when the vehicle is used for long trail rides or extended property work.
The standard Ridge produces approximately 92 horsepower and 66 lb-ft of torque according to period road-test reporting. Kawasaki described the Ridge XR at 116 horsepower and 73.8 lb-ft of torque under its cited ISO measurement. Because the figures come from different source contexts, they should be treated as useful model comparisons rather than a controlled back-to-back dyno test.
Both models use a continuously variable transmission with three drive modes:
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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11- Work: the more controlled setting for low-speed maneuvering, hauling, and delicate throttle inputs.
- Normal: the everyday setting for general trail and utility use.
- Sport: sharper throttle response and a more aggressive engine-braking character.
The system can also increase engine braking when it detects downhill coasting. Two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, and four-wheel drive with differential lock can be selected on the fly. The XR’s front and rear locking differentials give it a meaningful traction advantage in difficult terrain. On the standard Ridge, rear locking capability is included, while front limited-slip behavior varies with the selected drive mode.
How the Ridge rides and handles
Both versions use independent double-wishbone suspension at the front and rear. Kawasaki lists 12.7 inches of wheel travel at all four corners, five-way adjustable preload, single-rate front springs, and dual-rate rear springs. The rear shocks are mounted to the lower control arms, a layout intended to preserve cargo-bed usability while still allowing substantial shock movement.
The Ridge has a 90.7-inch wheelbase, a 64.0-inch track width, and an approximately 14.7-foot turning circle. Those dimensions give it useful maneuverability on wooded trails, around buildings, and in tight work areas.
On mixed terrain, the platform’s basic suspension tuning is a strength. Independent testing found the standard Ridge comfortable and confidence-inspiring over ruts, rocky trails, and moderate bumps. Other testing reported good small-bump compliance, useful mid-stroke support, and resistance to bottoming.
The XR requires a more carefully qualified verdict. Its 116-hp engine, 30-inch tires, and styling suggest a sportier machine, but independent testing characterized its suspension as relatively soft when driven aggressively. That is not necessarily a defect: the softer setup can be comfortable on rough mixed trails and useful when the Ridge is carrying passengers or equipment. It simply means the XR’s chassis does not fully exploit its engine for high-speed sport driving.
In practical terms, the XR is fast and capable, but its strongest use case is rapid trail exploration combined with utility—not repeated jumps, race-style cornering, or the sharpest possible response from a dedicated sport UTV.
Utility capability and cargo space
Kawasaki lists the Ridge XR with a 1,000-pound tilting cargo-bed capacity and a 2,000-pound towing capacity. The cargo bed measures approximately 35 by 49 by 12.8 inches, and a standard two-inch receiver is included. Those figures are enough for property maintenance, tools, firewood, feed, trail equipment, and light equipment.
Payload and towing numbers should not be confused with a recommendation to operate at maximum capacity on every surface. Terrain, tongue weight, cargo distribution, tire pressure, braking distance, and the condition of the machine all affect how safely the vehicle can work. Use the model-specific owner’s manual for rated limits and operating procedures.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThe Ridge’s rear shock placement helps keep the cargo bed practical, and its four-wheel independent suspension should be more comfortable than a solid-axle utility setup on rough ground. But this is still a sport-utility compromise. If the primary job is repeated heavy hauling, commercial landscaping, or maximum payload, compare the Ridge with purpose-built utility models before buying.
Owners using the machine for property work or trail recovery may also consider UTV winch and recovery gear. Kawasaki’s accessory catalog includes winch and plow-related equipment, but the correct winch, mount, bumper, wiring, and recovery points must be verified for the exact Ridge trim. A generic accessory should not be assumed to fit merely because it is advertised as a UTV product.
Cabin comfort, weather protection, and technology
The cab is one of the Ridge’s strongest differentiators. Kawasaki emphasizes automotive-style controls, a tilting steering wheel, adjustable seating, storage compartments, USB and DC power, and three-point seatbelts. The XR includes a seven-inch color TFT display.
Enclosed and HVAC-equipped versions add power windows, a windshield wiper and washer, and heating and air-conditioning capability. This equipment can make a major difference for owners who ride in cold, wet, dusty, or very hot conditions. It also adds cost, seals, motors, switches, ducting, and other components that should be inspected carefully on a used vehicle.
On the Ridge Limited, launch-drive coverage identified an eight-inch Garmin Tread off-road navigation system and a 300-watt audio system with four 6.5-inch speakers. Kawasaki’s RIDEOLOGY THE APP POWERSPORTS application provides smartphone connectivity; Kawasaki’s period press material identified compatibility with iOS-type smartphones, so buyers should verify current phone and application compatibility rather than assume every device will work.
For an XR HVAC used in wet or dusty conditions, a 2024 Ridge XR HVAC flip-up glass windshield can be a useful weather-protection upgrade. Kawasaki lists a model-specific flip-up glass windshield, but sourcing and fitment should be confirmed through Kawasaki or a dealer for the exact year, trim, roof, and cab configuration. Marketplace availability and compatibility can change.
Trim levels and historical pricing
These are period launch or buyer-guide prices, not current used-market values. Freight, setup, dealer fees, taxes, accessories, and financing costs were additional.
| Version | Reported period price | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Ridge Ranch Edition | $23,999 | Reported by MotorTrend as the starting price for the Ridge Ranch Edition. |
| Ridge HVAC | $29,999 | Period launch-drive pricing. |
| Ridge Limited | $33,499 | Period launch-drive pricing; includes higher-level technology and audio equipment. |
| Ridge XR | $31,999 | Listed in later period buyer-guide coverage. Kawasaki’s January 2024 press release initially described the XR HVAC MSRP as to be announced. |
The trim decision is about more than appearance. HVAC, navigation, audio, windshields, protection equipment, lighting, and utility accessories can push the final price well beyond the base vehicle. Before comparing a used Ridge with another UTV, identify which equipment is original, which was added later, and whether the accessories are still present and functional.
New buyers may encounter OEM Ridge protection, utility, lighting, and entertainment packages. Treat these as optional dealer or Kawasaki equipment, verify current pricing and availability, and price the complete build rather than comparing only base MSRPs.
What to check before buying a used 2024 Ridge or Ridge XR
A 2024 Ridge is now most compelling as a carefully inspected used purchase. The platform’s complexity is also why condition and documentation matter more than a low advertised price.
1. Verify the VIN and recall status
Use the vehicle identification number or HIN to check Kawasaki’s owner-center system and NHTSA’s recall database. The official Kawasaki recall notice identified in the research covers certain 2025 Ridge and Ridge Crew vehicles involving seatbelt mounting bolts; it is not a 2024 Ridge recall. The reviewed sources did not establish a confirmed model-wide 2024 Ridge safety recall.
That does not prove that every 2024 vehicle is free of an open campaign. Recall records can be VIN-specific, and service campaigns may not appear in broad model searches. Ask the seller for the VIN before traveling or leaving a deposit, and have a Kawasaki dealer verify outstanding campaigns.
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Ask the seller not to warm the machine before arrival. A cold start can reveal hard starting, unstable idle, excessive smoke, unusual mechanical noise, or warning lights that may disappear after warm-up. Check throttle response in Work and Normal modes, then verify that the CVT engages smoothly without a long delay, harsh jerk, slipping sensation, or abnormal clutch noise.
3. Inspect the CVT and belt area
Look for excessive belt dust, signs of overheating, damaged intake or exhaust ducting, and evidence that the machine has been repeatedly overloaded or driven through deep water without proper servicing. During the test drive, pay attention to delayed engagement, shuddering, belt squeal, or a change in behavior under load.
4. Examine steering and suspension components
- Check steering play and listen for rack, tie-rod, or ball-joint noise.
- Inspect tie rods, ball joints, control arms, bushings, and mounting points.
- Look for leaking dampers, bent A-arms, scraped shock bodies, and damaged springs.
- Confirm that each shock’s preload adjuster moves and that settings are consistent side to side.
- Inspect the underbody for rock damage, cracks, bent brackets, and fluid leaks.
- Check the larger XR tires for uneven wear, sidewall damage, and bead or wheel damage.
5. Test every cab and electronic feature
On an enclosed or HVAC-equipped vehicle, inspect door alignment, latches, seals, window operation, windshield-wiper and washer function, HVAC output, cameras, display, Bluetooth, navigation, USB ports, and audio equipment. A nonworking wiper or window is not merely a cosmetic issue if the machine is intended for year-round use.
For a Limited model, verify that the Garmin Tread navigation system and audio system power on and operate correctly. Check the seven-inch TFT display on XR models for warning messages, dead pixels, or intermittent operation.
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6. Inspect the work equipment
Operate the cargo-bed lift and tailgate. Check the bed hinges, latches, floor, side panels, receiver, skid plates, and any installed winch or plow wiring. Uneven bed alignment or damaged mounting points can indicate hard use, overloading, or a prior collision.
7. Review maintenance documentation
Look for records showing regular fluid changes, belt or clutch inspections, filter service, and dealer-performed warranty or campaign work. If you plan to maintain the machine yourself, obtain the 2024 Kawasaki Ridge XR owner’s manual or the correct manual for the exact model before ordering parts. Official documentation should take priority over a generic third-party guide, particularly for fluid specifications, capacities, adjustment procedures, and safety limits.
Kawasaki also lists a compatible KPO oil-change kit for the Ridge family. A Kawasaki Ridge oil change kit may simplify routine service, but verify the exact model, year, engine, and regional part number against the manual before purchasing. Current marketplace inventory and fitment were not independently confirmed.
Reliability and ownership reality
There is not enough evidence to assign the 2024 Ridge a definitive long-term reliability rating. The reviewed material did not establish an independent long-term durability test, a controlled fuel-economy test, or a complete current used-market price survey.
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Owner forums contain individual complaints involving doors, clutch engagement, tailgate latches, wipers, steering components, and dealer-service delays. These reports are useful inspection prompts, especially on a used machine, but they do not establish a measured failure rate or prove that the issues are systemic.
The inline-four may be smoother and less harsh than many twin-cylinder alternatives, but its four-cylinder performance can encourage faster driving and potentially higher fuel use than a slower utility model. No standardized fuel-economy figure was identified in the reviewed sources, so fuel cost should not be estimated from a claimed MPG number.
Higher trims deserve extra scrutiny. HVAC systems, power windows, wipers, navigation, cameras, displays, audio equipment, and cab seals improve usability but increase the number of components that can require repair. A base or mid-level Ridge with complete service records may be a better used purchase than a neglected Limited or HVAC model with impressive equipment but deferred maintenance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Strengths and weaknesses
What the Ridge does well
- Exceptionally smooth and distinctive inline-four power delivery.
- Quieter, less harsh operation than many twin-cylinder side-by-sides.
- Comfortable independent suspension for mixed trail and utility use.
- Enclosed-cab and HVAC configurations improve cold-, wet-, and hot-weather usability.
- Strong equipment availability on higher trims, including navigation and audio.
- Useful stated 1,000-pound cargo-bed and 2,000-pound towing figures on the XR.
- Selectable drive modes and five-way shock-preload adjustment.
Where it compromises
- High original pricing, especially after adding HVAC, navigation, audio, protection, and work accessories.
- The XR’s suspension is not as sport-focused as its 116-hp engine and styling suggest.
- The platform does not maximize either dedicated sport performance or heavy-duty utility hauling.
- Cabin and electronic equipment create more used-vehicle inspection points.
- No standardized fuel-economy figure is available from the reviewed sources.
Which 2024 Kawasaki Ridge should you buy?
Choose the standard Ridge if:
- You value smooth, quiet operation more than maximum acceleration.
- The machine will carry tools, supplies, or passengers as often as it will chase trails.
- You prefer a relaxed and comfortable ride over aggressive sport handling.
- You want three-person seating on a configuration that offers the split bench.
- HVAC, navigation, and premium cab equipment are useful but not worth the XR’s performance premium.
Choose the Ridge XR if:
- You want the strongest acceleration in the Ridge family.
- Thirty-inch tires and 14-inch aluminum wheels suit your terrain and priorities.
- Front and rear locking differentials are valuable for technical trails or difficult recovery situations.
- You prefer high-backed adjustable bucket seats on a two-seat configuration, or the XR Deluxe’s three-person bench.
- You understand that the XR is a fast rec-utility machine, not a race-oriented sport UTV.
Look elsewhere if:
- Your main requirement is maximum payload, towing, or nonstop commercial utility work.
- Your main requirement is high-speed sport driving, jumping, or the sharpest possible chassis response.
- You do not want to maintain or troubleshoot cab electronics, HVAC components, windows, wipers, and accessory systems.
Final assessment
The 2024 Kawasaki Ridge is one of the more distinctive sport-utility side-by-sides because its inline-four engine gives it refinement and character without abandoning practical capability. The standard Ridge is the balanced choice: comfortable, relatively quiet, useful, and well suited to mixed trail and property work. The Ridge XR is the enthusiast’s version, with genuinely strong power and better traction hardware, but its soft suspension means the engine outperforms the chassis when the pace becomes aggressive.
For a used purchase, prioritize condition over trim. The best Ridge or Ridge XR is a documented example with a VIN that has been checked, smooth CVT operation, straight suspension components, working cab equipment, intact accessories, and a price that accounts for missing or deferred equipment. That is where the Ridge’s utility-redesigned-for-recreation concept makes the most sense.
This review is based on Kawasaki product and technical information plus independent first-drive and review coverage. Historical pricing is not a current valuation, and owner-forum complaints are treated as anecdotal inspection prompts rather than confirmed defect rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2024 Kawasaki Ridge XR a sport side-by-side?
It is sportier than the standard Ridge, but it is better classified as a rec-utility side-by-side. The XR has 116 horsepower, 30-inch tires, and front and rear locking differentials, yet independent testing found its suspension relatively soft for aggressive sport driving. It is a fast, comfortable trail-and-utility machine rather than a substitute for a dedicated high-performance rig.
How much horsepower does the 2024 Kawasaki Ridge make?
Period road-test reporting put the standard Ridge at approximately 92 horsepower and 66 lb-ft of torque. Kawasaki described the Ridge XR at 116 horsepower and 73.8 lb-ft of torque under its cited ISO measurement. Because the figures come from different source contexts, they are best used as a model comparison rather than as a controlled dyno comparison.
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Applicable standard Ridge configurations use split bench seating and can accommodate up to three people. Two-seat Ridge XR configurations use high-backed adjustable bucket seats, while XR Deluxe versions use a three-person bench. Confirm the exact seating configuration by trim and vehicle identification number.
How much can the 2024 Ridge XR tow and carry?
Kawasaki lists a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a 1,000-pound tilting cargo-bed capacity for the Ridge XR. Use the model-specific owner’s manual for operating limits, tongue weight, cargo distribution, and terrain-related precautions.
Does the 2024 Kawasaki Ridge have a recall?
The reviewed official Kawasaki notice concerns certain 2025 Ridge and Ridge Crew vehicles and seatbelt mounting bolts, not a confirmed 2024 Ridge recall. That does not guarantee that an individual 2024 vehicle has no open campaign. Check the VIN or HIN through Kawasaki and NHTSA before purchasing.
What did the 2024 Kawasaki Ridge cost when new?
Period reporting listed the Ridge Ranch Edition at $23,999, the Ridge HVAC at $29,999, and the Ridge Limited at $33,499. Later buyer-guide coverage listed the Ridge XR at $31,999, while Kawasaki’s initial January 2024 press release said the XR HVAC MSRP was still to be announced. These are historical prices, not current used-market values.
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The Bottom Line
Bottom line: Buy the 2024 Kawasaki Ridge for its smooth inline-four, comfortable independent suspension, practical cargo capability, and available all-weather cab. Buy the Ridge XR for its 116-hp acceleration, larger tires, locking differentials, and more entertaining trail character—but do not mistake it for a dedicated sport side-by-side. For either model, a clean VIN, complete maintenance history, and fully functional cab and electronics are more important than simply choosing the highest trim.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
